Android Authority this week – August 16, 2015
It’s been a wildly entertaining week in the world of Android. Google dropped the Alphabet bomb, prompting a flurry of speculation about the reasons behind this radical change. Samsung finally unveiled the Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge Plus, to mixed reactions. Details about Huawei’s next smartphones leaked out, while we gathered more info about LG’s upcoming Nexus. Qualcomm introduced new mid-level chips and detailed the high-end Snapdragon 820. Xiaomi introduced the Redmi 2 Prime and Redmi Note 2. And the OnePlus 2 went on sale (if you have an invite!)
Inside AA HQ
And just like that, the Note 5 has arrived. Hopefully for Samsung, the market reception will be less frosty than the anticlimactic launch would suggest. Truth is, the Note series is no longer standing out in a market full of devices with large screens. Are the S Pen and the software tricks it enables enough to preserve the Note’s dominance? Over the next weeks, we’ll be putting the Note and the S6 Edge Plus through their paces to find out.
What about IFA, Samsung’s traditional stomping grounds? We’ve got a glimpse of the Gear S2 and we’re confident we’ll get to check it out in Berlin from September 1. Anything else? Is a new tablet coming? Overall, IFA may be a little interesting than usual this year – Sony, Huawei, and a few others will have product launches, but it just won’t be the same without a new Note.
If you’re going back to school soon, we’ve put together a great guide to help you gear up with the best gadgets for work and fun. Check it out here.
This week’s giveaway is the brand new Galaxy Note 5! Head over here for your chance to win Samsung’s hot new phone! Craving a OnePlus 2? We’re giving away 50 invites until August 19!
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- Review: Lanh brings you his look at the sleek Galaxy A8
- Guide: There are tons of cheap tablets out there: here’s how to buy a good one
- Impressions: Check out Matt’s impressions of the Galaxy Tab S2
- Opinion: The Note 5 is here, but is it still special?
- Guide: Going back to school? These are the essential gadgets you will need
Top news of the week
Huawei Mate 7s
- New Huawei handset images leak ahead of IFA announcement
- Huawei teases “unique” smartphone for IFA 2015
- Huawei Mate 7S passes through TENAA
Alphabet: G is for Google
- Google founders name Sundar Pichai as Google CEO, create new parent company called Alphabet
- Alphabet: What you need to know about Google’s new parent company
Qualcomm’s new chips
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 212, 412, and 616 are official
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 officially announced: what you need to know
Note 5 is here
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 officially announced: what you need to know
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 vs the competition
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 hands-on
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 vs Galaxy Note 4 quick look
S6 Edge Plus
- Galaxy S6 Edge+ announced: what you need to know
- Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ hands-on and first impressions
- Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ vs Galaxy S6 Edge quick look
Xiaomi’s own Note
- Indian built Xiaomi Redmi 2 Prime announced, MIUI 7 global launch on Aug 19
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 announced: top specs for under $160
OnePlus 2
- OnePlus 2 will be delayed 2-3 weeks for would-be North American buyers
- OnePlus 2 – New Features Focus
- OnePlus 2 now officially on sale in Europe/US, India sales starting at 4PM IST
- OnePlus 2 teardown: take a look inside the “2016 flagship killer”
Next Nexus
Sound off
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Happy Sunday!
Two-factor system uses ambient sounds to verify your login
Two-factor can keep your Gmail, iCloud and other accounts from getting hacked, but it’s unfortunately rather tedious to use. That’s why a team of researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland has developed a tool called “Sound-Proof” to make the process less painful. Any app or program with Sound-Proof integrated can authenticate your logins by listening to ambient sounds. That’s it — you don’t need to pick up your phone, generate a passcode or wait for a text with one, so long as you’ve already installed the tool’s mobile app.
For instance: if you sign into the app on your laptop browser, the app fires up on its own, and both your computer and phone will start listening for sounds. Once the system determines that both devices are hearing the same background music, AC hum or the rhythmic snoring of your dog, then you get logged in. According to the researchers, the tool only uploads the “digital signature” of the sounds around you and not the sounds themselves in order to protect your privacy. Plus, it doesn’t need extensions or any other additional downloads for computers, so it works even if, say, you’re using a roommate’s laptop.
While it’s definitely a lot easier to deal with than traditional two-factor, it’s also clearly imperfect. Determined hackers who already have your password can follow you around until you’re in the same place to access your account. Since the app starts listening in on its own, you might not even know that someone’s trying to hack you until it’s too late. Some elements might prevent sounds from matching up, as well, and don’t forget that you need a data connection in the absence of WiFi. We hope the team finds a way to make Sound-Proof more secure before releasing the tool as an actual product. As it is, it’s just a research project, which the team will present at the Usenix security conference this August.
Via:
Wired
Source:
Arxiv
Tags: mobilepostcross, security, sound-proof, two-factor
UAG Maverick Case for the Motorola Nexus 6 Review
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Urban Armor Gear (UAG) has made quite the name for themselves in the accessories world for making high-quality, heavy duty cases. While they don’t necessarily have the same water resistant credentials of say the Otterbox family, UAG marries protection with a military-grade appearance, which is actually backed up by passing military drop-test standards. As a version was made for the Nexus 6, I just had to check it out – let’s get into the review.
What’s in the box
Inside your UAG Maverick Case for the Motorola Nexus 6 box, you’ll get the case itself as well as a screen protector, screen protector application card, and a cleaning cloth. There doesn’t appear to be anything particularly special about the included screen protector, but it’s an added bonus anyway.
The case itself is transparent, and is only available in this style. To be honest, I’m not really complaining as – if you were so inclined – you could apply a skin the the back of your Nexus 6 and still have it visible through the case. Considering some of the colours other UAG cases are available in, transparent is relatively conservative, but it makes up for that with its carapace-like, hexagonally tessellated finish. The military vibe that is common on UAG cases is well and alive with this iteration of the case for the Nexus 6.
How does it perform
I previously owned a UAG case for my Samsung Galaxy Note 2, and that served me very well – in the time that I’ve been reviewing this UAG for my Nexus 6, I can’t say much has changed. The case provides very good protection for any phone – with rubber bumpers on all corners and a pretty significant lip around the edges of the screen mean that any day-to-day drops likely won’t do your device in. All this rubber around the edges also makes it really easy to hold onto the UAG case so that you don’t get in that situation in the first place. In my case, my second-hand Nexus 6 actually already had a crack in its screen and the UAG case gave me enough confidence to not have to be paranoid every second of the day – it’s even survived multiple falls that gave me chills down my spine at the time.
A feature I’m glad is still around is the button covers, which provide exceptional tactile feedback – I’d even say superior to the buttons without the case on. Other access ports, like the microUSB slot, the audio jack and camera are given enough space to be utilized, but the audio jack housing was a little small for my liking – using an audio cable which had slightly larger housing meant that i would need to take my Nexus 6 out of the case to use it.
It’s a good thing then that the UAG Maverick case is actually really easy to put on and take off. Unlike other heavy duty cases that often involve inner sheaths and dual layer arrangements, this case is one piece that slides on and off without much coercing – that’s not to say its loose, because it is still quite a tight fit, but it won’t take more than 5 seconds to get it in or out.
What I like about the UAG Maverick Case for the Motorola Nexus 6
I’m a big fan of how the UAG Maverick case looks – it looks tough and it is tough. The two UAG cases I’ve owned so far have never made my question UAG’s quality or credentials which makes the look of it all the more appropriate.
Something that’s perhaps a little more tangible – but still subtle – is that the rugged design of the UAG Maverick case actually improves how the Nexus 6 feels in the hand. While it’s definitely not as slimline anymore, the deep grooves in the back of the case give your fingers something to dig into while you’re taking calls or watching videos.
What I don’t like about the UAG Maverick Case for the Motorola Nexus 6
If there’s one thing that has been annoying me since day one is that the volume up button protrudes quite a lot further than the power button, a fact that makes pressing the power button to unlock the screen while in the dark more of a chore than it needs to be – the number of times I have pressed the volume up button thinking I’d pressed the power button are numerous. Having said that, it’s not quite a dealbreaker thanks to the fact Motorola has include its Active Display technology in the Nexus 6 which negates the need to press the power button all the time.
Final thoughts
My previous UAG is the best case that I’d ever had for the Galaxy Note 2 and I’m glad to say that the Nexus 6 version is just as good. It’s protective, durable, easy to use and still gives you a chance to see your device through the transparent back. And at $39.95USD, it won’t break the bank either – the UAG Maverick case for the Nexus 6 is actually sold out on the UAG website at the moment, but you can still pick one up on Amazon for $29.95 USD – that’s pretty much a win-win (links are below).
What do you think about the UAG Maverick Case for the Motorola Nexus 6? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Gallery of photos
- Mean, military-inspired look
- Easy to use
- Volume up button protrudes
- Only one colour style
2015-08-16
The post UAG Maverick Case for the Motorola Nexus 6 Review appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Immersive Virtual Reality gaming center opens in Australia
A new gaming center has opened its doors in Melbourne, Australia, and it’s not quite your typical after-school haunt. This place, called Zero Latency, offers true immersive virtual reality experience: if you want to kill zombies, you’ll literally have to walk/run around, aim and shoot a VR gun. CNET got to try it out before launch and found that the center uses a 4,300-square-foot warehouse covered in a white-grid pattern and equipped with 129 PlayStation Eye cameras. One session can have up to six players, each one fitted with a backpack that houses an Alienware Alpha PC, which renders the environment for the users’ Oculus Rift DK2 headsets.
The facility’s creator, Scott Vandonkelaar, conjured up the idea before Oculus Rift’s Kickstarter campaign, but he ultimately decided to use as many existing technologies as he could. It took three years of work for his idea to finally become a reality. CNET calls Zero Latency the world’s “first VR entertainment facility,” but it definitely won’t be the only one. A similar project called “The Void” plans to open a VR gaming center in Salt Lake City, and we wouldn’t be surprised if there are others still in the very early stages of development.
Source:
Zero Latency
Tags: australia, gamingcenter, virtualreality, VR, zerolatency
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 International Giveaway!
Welcome to the Sunday Giveaway, the place where we giveaway a new Android phone or tablet each and every Sunday.
A big congratulations to last week’s winner of the OnePlus 2 giveaway: Sajoyan H. from Bangladesh.
This week we are giving away the new Samsung Galaxy Note 5!
The Note 5 has a sleek unibody design which consists of a couple materials. There’s a metal edge all around the handset, while glass covers the front and back. One large difference is that this phone has a couple edged sides like on the Galaxy S6 Edge, but these are on the back. This will give the user a much better grip on the rounder rear, not to mention the fact that it happens to look great. Read more about our first hands on impressions.
Latest Note 5 Articles:
- AT&T might already be shipping Galaxy Note 5 to select customers
- Galaxy Note 5 & S6 Edge Plus Availability and release dates
- Galaxy Note 5 Color comparison
- Galaxy Note 5 what it packs and what it lacks
- Galaxy Note 5 vs the competition
- Galaxy Note 5 vs iPhone 6 Plus
- Galaxy Note 5 vs Note 4
Have a question about the Galaxy Note 5? Visit our Note 5 Forums.
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Samsung Galaxy Note 5 International Giveaway
Recent giveaway winner
Giveaway winner Luana showing off her S6 Edge!
Terms & Conditions
- The giveaway is an international giveaway (Except when we can not ship to your Country.)
- If we can not ship to your country, you will be compensated with an online gift card of equal MSRP value to the prize.
- We are not responsible for lost shipments.
- You must be age of majority in your Country of residence.
- We are not responsible for any duties, import taxes that you may incur.
- Only 1 entry per person, do not enter multiple email addresses. We will verify all winners and if we detect multiple email addresses by the same person you will not be eligible to win.
- We reserve all rights to make any changes to this giveaway.
- This giveaway is operated by Android Authority.
- The prize will ship when it is available to purchase.
Full terms & conditions and FAQ | Past giveaway winners [Gallery]
Intel pledges money to train potential Navajo code writers
Earlier this year, Intel promised to make an effort to hire more women and minorities, and by the looks of things, the company’s making good on its word. Its latest move? Pledging $250,000 per year for three years to three Navajo Nation high schools in Arizona, in hopes of inspiring kids to become coders. Intel engineer Jolene Bengay (above) announced the company’s project during an event honoring the Navajo code talkers of World War II. “We know that if we’re really going to fill in the (talent) pipeline,” said Intel’s Diversity initiative deputy director Barbara McAllister, “we need to aggressively address the gaps in that talent.”
The money will help support the Science Foundation Arizona’s “Code Talkers to Code Writers Initiative” and will be used to train teachers how to code, so they can teach their students in turn. Intel’s Native American employees will also be dropping by to help out, though probably not that often, as there are only 266 in the company.
Source:
USA Today
Tags: coding, diversity, intel, navajo
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 already shipping to some
Samsung only unveiled their new smartphones this week and started taking US pre-orders the same day. The date customers are supposed to receive them is on August 21, but many have already gotten shipping notices for the Galaxy Note 5.
For whatever reason, some carriers are already shipping the phones out to some lucky buyers. Even luckier, some buyers have already received their Galaxy Note 5.
Have you gotten a shipping notice for your Galaxy Note 5 or even better received it already? Tell us in the comments below.
Source: Android Central
Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy Note 5 already shipping to some
Firefox private browsing test keeps more of your data off-limits
Numerous browsers have a private mode to prevent local users from learning too much about your web habits, but what about preventing the sites themselves from tracking what you’re doing? Mozilla thinks it can help. It just released a pre-beta version of Firefox whose updated, experimental Private Browsing mode blocks web elements that could track your behavior, such as analytic tools and social network services. While the measure could break some sites, Mozilla reckons that it’s ultimately better to keep you off sites’ radars by default. If you do run into problems, there’s a central control area where you can tweak your privacy and security settings.
That isn’t the only test underway. The pre-beta also enforces add-on verification by default, so that social plugin you downloaded shouldn’t add unwanted toolbars, inject ads or collect more data than it should. Like with Chrome, you can turn off this filter if you’re willing to throw caution to the wind. If you just have to try either of these features right away, you’ll want to grab this early Firefox build now — it’s going to be a while before they make their way into a finished version.
Filed under:
Internet, Software
Source:
Mozilla
Tags: browser, firefox, internet, mozilla, privacy, privatebrowsing, web
OnLeaks and uSwitch are at it again, this time with renders of the Huawei Nexus 6
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Leaker @OnLeaks and uSwitch have been hard at work lately trying to give us the best possible look at the Nexus devices before they are released. While their last post was focused around the LG Nexus 5 2015, today’s post gives us a fresh look at the Huawei Nexus 6 and rendered images of the device from all angles. Immediately what you’ll notice is the placement of the rear camera – unlike a 10 second video that was allegedly of the Huawei Nexus 6 we saw awhile back, the camera on this render is not placed in the middle as you’d expect on a Huawei device, but in the top left of the device, much like the iPhone. Check out more of the images below:
What’s also notable in the renders is the presence of the fingerprint scanner on the back of the device – this is pretty much the same positioning on the LG Nexus 5 2015. Obviously we should be taking this news with a grain of salt considering we have nothing to corroborate these images with, but if this does turn out to be an accurate depiction of what the Huawei Nexus 6 is going to be, it looks like we’re in good hands.
What do you think about the Huawei Nexus 6? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: uSwitch via TalkAndroid
The post OnLeaks and uSwitch are at it again, this time with renders of the Huawei Nexus 6 appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Unique puzzler Dreii is coming to Android as well as all other major platforms
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Many of you long-time readers will know that I love a good puzzle game and from the sounds of it, Dreii, made by Etter Studio, is going to be a pretty good one – after all, PewDiePie called it the “coolest puzzle game ever”. However, rather than being a straightforward puzzle game with difficult puzzles, Dreii is aiming to have cross-platform compatibility so that people on all platforms can play this game together. In their press release announcing the game, game director Christian Etter said:
“Dreii is all about connecting people. Once opening the game you will be secretly connected with all other players, in real time and across the globe. In the concept version this was only possible on specific devices. Being truly about uniting everybody we sat down with the people from all popular game platforms and talked to them about letting their players connect with the players from the rival platforms.”
That’s a pretty ambitious target, and the best news out of this is that Dreii is coming to Android, as well as PS4, PSVita, Wii U, PC, Mac and iOS (I guess Xbox just gets shafted, again). It’s still quite difficult to imagine what the final product is going to look like, especially since this is the only video footage of the game that I could find, but I’m extremely excited about the prospect of a multiplayer puzzle game.
What do you think about Dreii coming to Android? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Facebook
The post Unique puzzler Dreii is coming to Android as well as all other major platforms appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
AIVAnet 